With the introduction and availability of the HIV self-test many more sexually active individuals can test themselves at home and know their status in a matter of 20 minutes.  This is quite handy as HIV can take up to 3 months from the last unprotected sex act to give a positive test result. It is, therefore, recommended that a follow up test be done in 3 months.

Accessible from select pharmacies, the HIV self-test kit does not involve using needles.  This more friendly format necessitates the swabbing of the upper and lower gum lines, with a swab stick.  Safe and effective the self-test kit should prove more popular.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) with the National Family Planning Board introduced the HIV Self-Test kits in early 2021.  They had outlined that the objectives were

• To increase access to HIV testing.
• To increase number of persons who are aware of their HIV status.
• To increase SRH knowledge in regards to HIV Self-testing; and.
• To increase partner testing.

With the increased attention to HIV self-testing the expectation is that there will be further growth from the 2017 statistic of 12.8% having knowledge of the HIV test.  Making the test available to the public is with a view to increasing early diagnosis for HIV resulting in timely linkage to care and treatment. The global body UNAIDS has challenged Jamaica, to have 90 per cent of all people living with HIV know their status; 90 per cent of all people diagnosed with HIV infection receiving sustained antiretroviral (ARV) treatment; and 90 per cent of all people on antiretroviral treatment attaining viral suppression.   The MoHW statistics note that as at June 2021 an estimated 32,000 people were living with HIV (PLHIV) of whom 27,605 PLHIV were diagnosed (or 86.3 per cent).  45 per cent of all PLHIV were currently receiving care and 30 per cent of all PLHIV are virally suppressed.

Through the partnership with the pharmacies to increase availability of the test kit the local health programme can realise the first of the 90-90-90 targets.    Meanwhile, acceptors of the test kit must remember, not to drink eat or drink anything 30 minutes before doing the test.  Also, to remove and hold the Test tube upright, pop the top of the test tube off being careful not to spill the contents because if you do you cannot use the test kit.

The HIV test isn’t something to be feared.

Are you here to do a HIV test?  Yes, you are.